Introduction
The sudden growth of Aliments Martel inc, is impossible to describe briefly. Even with its fantastic success and modernism, the company kept its family culture; Raymond, Cecile and their son Serge are fully invested and pursue the founder’s vision.
Raymond Martel is fully aware of his optimistic dreams 40 years ago, never could he imagine the scale of this fabulous 100% Quebec entreprise that provided more than 500 permanent jobs here in Quebec.
Our history
In 1965, Raymond Martel decides to go into business. He occupies several functions in the food industry as manager of Macy’s Restaurants in Montreal and he wants to exploit and develop his own ideas.
He comes back in the Quebec region, more precisely at Saint-Romuald and with his brother Gilles, starts `route de cantine`. The products are produced by their mother in the family home and the two brothers visit different industries and construction sites.
In 1967, the Martel brother’s hard work thrived so much that they acquire several trucks and construct a 2500 square feet warehouse at St-Romuald. They incorporate themselves under `Cantine Roulante Inc.`.
In 1969, the company launches an attack on the Quebec market, on Northern coast of Gaspesie and also the Abitibi region. Raymond’s wife, Cecile involves herself and develops new areas, notably in cry-o-vac products (controlled athmosphere), under the name Distribution Select Inc..
In 1972, Gilles retires from the business and Raymond Martel becomes the soul shareholder; giving him further vision which brings the company into a spectacular development phase.
In 1981, Raymond Martel puts on a major move on the Montreal’s market and opens a distribution centre.
In 1982, Raymond Martel puts in place a purchase policy and acquires many competitors; in order to provide better service, he builds a factory at Ville Vanier and secures himself both Quebec shores; he joins `Cantine Kébécoise` with `Cantine Roulante` and becomes Aliments Martel Inc.
In 1986, Raymond Martel opens a third distribution centre at Gatineau; he purchases the Ontario company Tastee Bite Foods, ( Canada Approuved) increases its territory while tackling the Ontario market. The following year, the management of the huge Gatineau centre has been given to his son Serge who received excellent training and was ready to take over the rein.
In 1989, Aliments Martel acquires the factory aside and creates one for : sweet products, cakes, biscuits, etc. It is the birth of Patisserie Audrey named after Raymond and Cecile ‘s daughter.
In 1989, Aliments Martel transfers his Montreal distribution centre in much more larger spaces which provides adequate responds to the extraordinary increase of the company. The company is also consenting in having major investments in its trucks fleet and computer system.
In 1990, Aliments Martel purchases the company Zoom Pizza and develop a fresh pizza, `Home-made italian`, another bowstring to its company.
In 1991, in order to accelerate its growth, Ramond Martel associate himself to a major group in the canadian food industry, the Groupe Lafleur.
In 1992, Aliments Martel establishes a quality control lab and research and development centre.
In 1993, the company acquires an egg quota allowing a large provision in the production of Audrey Pastries and bringing the development of hard egg sales or related products under the name of Le Maître Cocotier.
In 1994, event thought the surface area has tripple in the last 5 years, the Montreal premises are no longer sufficent for the demands, therefore Aliments Martel purchases a 26000 square feet building in the St-Michel district. A fleet of 33 trucks insures this new distribution centre.
In 1996, Aliments Martel makes a major acquisition , Ali-Prêt, and takes advantage by bringing back its operations in the huge building in Montreal. This purchase enables him to develop a new division and a range of product of small and flab meals.
In 2002, Aliments Martel purchases the Gatineau China King, specializing in imperial rolls and other chinese dishes for restaurants and institutional cuisine. These operations are brought back in St-Romuald.
In 2003, Aliments Martel realizes its more recent acquisition, Aliments Mama Mia inc, exploiting a pizza factory in the industrial district of Portneuf. Same year, the company becomes producer of healthy Minçavi products.
